slide tack*le
What is the definition of slide tackle in soccer?
1. A slide tackle is a move that is performed in soccer. To complete this type of tackle, a player slides on the ground next to their opponent and extends their leg to hit the ball and effectively kick it away. Usually, the other leg is tucked back while the player goes into a slide.
This is a risky move that may result in a foul (such as a direct free kick, a yellow card or a red card) if the player kicks or trips their opponent while sliding. To avoid a penalty, the player must complete a slide tackle safely without endangering the opponent.
What is a slide tackle in soccer?
A slide tackle is a type of tackle in which the player slides toward the ball in order to make contact and cause their opponent to lose possession. The player lays on their side with one foot extended and one bent leg tucked back as they slide forward. The goal of a soccer slide tackle is to knock the ball away from an opponent without causing a foul.
Why do footballers slide tackle?
Soccer players, also known as footballers, slide tackle in order to cover more ground in a brief span of time. This type of tackle is often used when a player isn’t able to catch up and defend the ball normally due to the speed of their opponent. By slide tackling, the defender may be able to get close to the ball in time to interrupt a passing opportunity or goal-scoring attempt. When executed properly, a slide tackle can stop the momentum of the opposition and may potentially help the defender’s team regain possession of the ball.
Some players also use slide tackles to win 50-50 balls. A well-executed slide tackle may help them reach the ball faster than their opponent and avoid a potentially dangerous full-body collision between two players going for the same ball.
When should you slide tackle in soccer?
A team’s defenders are most likely to execute slide tackles when opponents enter their defensive third. However, this type of tackle is generally used as more of a last resort. It should only be used when other defending tactics aren’t possible due to the circumstances of the game or an opponent’s exceptional speed.
When an opposing player is making a dangerous attack, traditional defending tactics are preferred. This typically involves the defender jockeying (keeping a low center of gravity and moving in a shuffling motion) until they feel confident in making a block tackle that will allow their team to regain possession. But if the opponent is getting away from a defender, a slide tackle can be executed as a last-ditch effort to stop their attack. Goalies may perform a slide tackle in order to make a save, although this is rare.
What are the risks of slide tackling?
Slide tackling in soccer offers less control than other types of tackles since it’s very difficult to direct the ball in a particular path with the extended foot. It also involves a much higher risk of fouling or missing the ball completely compared to a traditional defensive tackle. However, a defender may decide these risks are worthwhile if their slide tackle can potentially stop the opposing team from continuing an attack.
Another risk with slide tackling is that if the tackler fails and the opponent retains possession, it’s much more difficult to recover the ball. The tackler is on the ground for the slide tackle, which gives the attacking player time to dribble away from them or make a pass before the tackler can get back up.
Can you slide tackle in soccer?
Safe slide tackles are allowed in soccer. However, if a player’s slide tackle is deemed by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force, they may be penalized.
For example, a player will likely be penalized if they make contact with the opponent before the ball during a slide tackle. However, simply getting to the ball first doesn’t necessarily mean that a slide tackle is legal.
In order to avoid a penalty, the player who is sliding tackling must get a clean touch on the ball without endangering the safety of their opponent.
Is it illegal to slide tackle in soccer?
According to the laws of the game, slide tackles in soccer are illegal only if the referee finds that they fall into one or more of the following categories:
Careless
A slide tackle may be considered careless when the tackler shows a lack of attention and consideration when executing the move. One example of a careless slide tackle might be a player executing the move with their cleats facing out, which has increases the risk of injury to their opponent.
A careless slide tackle is typically penalized with a direct free kick since it is considered to be the least severe type of rule violation involving a slide tackle.
Reckless
A reckless slide tackle is one that is performed without regard for the consequences for the opponent. For example, a player rushing to the ball might try to slide tackle their opponent from the back. This is a dangerous move which could result in serious injury to the opponent since they can’t see the defender coming.
When the referee deems a slide tackle to be reckless, they often penalize the player with a yellow card. This type of tackle is a serious offense, but generally does not warrant a red card.
Using excessive force
The most egregious slide tackles are those which use excessive force in a way that is not necessary to the goals of the defender and which could potentially cause serious injury to the opponent. One example of excessive force would be a slide tackle performed as a two-footed lunge.
Slide tackles executed with excessive force count as a particularly serious offense in soccer. Depending on the circumstances of the play, this type of slide tackle may be punished with a red card, which immediately ejects the offending player from the game.
What are the consequences of a slide tackle in soccer?
When a player makes a safe and effective slide tackle, they may be successful in dispossessing their opponent without earning any penalty. This can give their team an advantage in the game.
However, a slide tackle which is careless, reckless or involves excessive force typically results in some type of penalty. The severity of the penalty generally corresponds to the severity of the offense.
What is the penalty for a slide tackle?
There are three possible outcomes of a slide tackle which the referee determines to be illegal: a free kick, yellow card or red card.
Free kick
A direct free kick is the most common penalty for a careless slide tackle. This type of free kick allows the team to directly take a shot on goal (as opposed to an indirect free kick which must touch a second player before a goal is scored).
If this type of slide tackle occurs within the boundaries of the player’s 18-yard box, the opponent would be awarded a penalty kick instead.
Yellow card
A yellow card is the most common penalty for a reckless slide tackle. This serves as a serious symbol of caution from the referee. The opposing team usually gets a direct free kick after a yellow card is given to a player. If the illegal slide tackle occurs in the penalty area, however, the opponents get to take a penalty kick.
If a player receives two yellow cards in one game, they automatically receive a red card. This means they must immediately leave the field and their teammates must finish the soccer game down a player.
Some leagues and tournaments also have special cumulative rules for yellow cards. For example, in the FIFA World Cup, a player is suspended for one match if they receive two yellow cards in two different matches.
Red card
If a player uses excessive force when performing a slide tackle, they may receive a red card from the referee. This is the most serious penalty a soccer player can receive in soccer, so it is only given for a serious foul play.
After a red card is given, the opponent typically gets to take a direct free kick from the spot where the illegal slide tackle occurred. An exception is made for illegal slide tackles in the box, which result in a penalty kick for the opposing team.
At what age can kids slide tackle in soccer?
According to the rules for US Youth Soccer, players under the age of 10 are not permitted to slide tackle. Independent soccer leagues can set their own rules, but it’s uncommon to see younger players attempting these types of tackles. Differences in size and ability can also make slide tackles a particularly dangerous play in youth soccer.
Soccer coaches typically don’t start teaching players to slide tackle until they are ages 12 and up. Most players learn this soccer skill by the time they reach a U15 (under 15 years old) league. This helps them prepare for slide tackling in high school soccer.
Slide tackle soccer drills for beginners should involve practicing without an opponent present. This helps players master the skill without risking an injury to a teammate.
What is the difference between a slide tackle and a tackle?
In soccer, a “tackle” refers to any means of taking the ball away from an opponent. A common example of a tackle is the block tackle, in which a player blocks the path of the ball when an attacking player tries to make a pass or dribble by them.
A slide tackle is a type of soccer tackle in which the player slides on their side with the leg closest to the ball extended in order to get it away from their opponent. It is one of the riskiest types of tackles since any physical contact with the opponent during a slide tackle could be viewed as dangerous and result in a penalty.
How do you slide tackle effectively?
Follow these steps to complete an effective slide tackle in soccer:
1. Time it correctly
The best slide tackles take place when the ball is away from the opponent. As they are dribbling, look for an opportunity to slide in as the ball is a bit in front of them. If you slide tackle when the ball is directly at the opponent’s feet, it could cause an injury and is more likely to result in a penalty.
When deciding whether to slide tackle, be sure to consider your position in relation to your opponent. You should never slide tackle someone from behind since it is less likely to be successful and more likely to result in a foul due to the risk of injury.
2. Extend one leg
As you slide down on your side and become parallel to the ground, extend the leg that is on top (not the one closer to the ground). This gives you more control over the movement of the leg as you approach the ball. Your extended leg should be in a position where you will move through the ball rather than toward your opponent.
3. Bend the other leg
The leg closer to the ground during your slide tackle should be folded under you. Keeping one leg bent under the body during a slide tackle ensures better precision with the extended leg. In addition, it can be used to push yourself back up after the tackle is complete.
4. Aim with your laces
Try to make contact with the laces of your boots. This ensures that your studs are facing away in order to minimize the risk of injury to yourself and your opponent. Don’t use your heel to make contact with the ball since this can also potentially cause injury to both you and your opponent.
5. Get back up quickly
You want to pop back up as quickly as possible so you can react to the results of your slide tackle. If you got the ball away from your opponent successfully, you might need to chase it down to keep possession. If the opponent was able to keep the ball, you may want to pursue them and try to win the ball back.
Examples of how slide tackle is used in commentary
1. As the striker sped past with the ball, Jones went for the slide tackle to try to prevent a goal.
2. The midfielder slide tackled the forward inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick.
Sport the term is used
1. Soccer
Also known as:
1. Sliding tackle